The Making Of The Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour
Back in 1990, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took the world by storm with their live-action rock musical, "The Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour." But behind the scenes, it was a painstaking process to bring the show to life. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the making of the iconic tour that still holds a special place in the hearts of fans today.
Origins Of The Tour
The "Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour" was the brainchild of Mark Freedman and Thomas W. White, who were tasked with creating a stage show for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The two had previously worked on a successful stage show for Barney the Dinosaur, but they knew they needed to take things to the next level for the ninja turtles.
They decided to go all-in on a live-action rock concert featuring the four turtles--Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael--playing their own instruments and singing original songs. It was an ambitious idea, but they were confident they could pull it off.
The Creative Process
The first step in bringing the show to life was to create the songs. Freedman and White worked with a team of musicians and songwriters to craft catchy tunes that would appeal to both children and adults. They also wrote the script for the show, which featured humorous banter between the turtles and some cheesy but lovable jokes.
Meanwhile, the design team was hard at work creating the costumes and props for the show. They had to come up with four distinct looks for each turtle that would allow them to play their instruments and move around on stage. They also created a bunch of wacky gadgets and gizmos for the turtles to use during the show, like a giant pizza launcher and a "turtle com" communication device.
The Rehearsal Process
Once the songs were written and the costumes were designed, it was time to start rehearsing. The performers who played the turtles had to undergo extensive training to learn how to play their instruments and sing at the same time. They also had to get used to moving and performing in their bulky turtle costumes.
The set design team also had their work cut out for them. The show featured a giant turtle shell-shaped stage, complete with built-in traps and secret passageways. The team had to make sure everything was in working order and that the performers could navigate the stage safely.
The Tour Itself
Finally, after months of hard work, the "Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour" hit the road. The tour traveled to over 40 cities across the United States and Canada, with each show selling out to adoring fans.
The show was a hit with audiences of all ages, and the turtles became even more popular than they already were. Fans clamored for more live-action shows featuring their favorite heroes in a half shell.
The Legacy of The Tour
Even though the "Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour" only lasted for one year, its impact on pop culture is still felt today. The show helped to cement the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as cultural icons and paved the way for future live-action adaptations of the franchise.
The tour also helped to introduce a new generation of fans to the turtles, who continue to be beloved by fans young and old. And for those who were lucky enough to see the show live, it remains a cherished memory of a time when the ninja turtles ruled the world.
Conclusion
The making of the "Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour" was a difficult and complex process, but it resulted in one of the most beloved pop culture events of the 1990s. With its catchy songs, wacky props, and lovable characters, the tour captured the hearts of fans all over the world. And for those who were fortunate enough to see it live, it remains a cherished memory of a time when anything was possible, even turtles who could rock out on stage.